QLD Man dies at Maya Mexican rooftop bar after being restrained by security
27–28 Apr 2025
Victim: Man (not publicly named at time of initial reports). Died shortly after being restrained by security; police declared a crime scene and commenced an investigation (status ongoing).
More Incidents
Former test cricketer killed by hotel bouncer - Beaconsfield Hotel VIC
Man dies in VIC restaurant during drug-induced psychotic episode
21 Year old dead after altercation with bouncers outside Gold Coast pub
No charges for bouncers who caused asphyxia death to man at Campbelltown Club Hotel NSW
Addressing the Gap in Queensland’s Venue Ban System
PatronSafety was founded to shine a light on a serious gap in the way Queensland’s current venue ban system operates.
When an incident of violence or aggression occurs inside a licensed venue — whether involving another patron or a member of security — the person involved can be automatically entered into the statewide ID scanning system. Once entered, they are effectively barred from every major venue in Queensland, often without any formal investigation or opportunity to appeal.
This means that innocent patrons, including those who were victims of violence, can be wrongfully banned and publicly stigmatised. There is no independent review process, and no clear way to challenge or remove these listings once they are entered into the system.
PatronSafety is working to change this, advocating for fairness, transparency, and accountability. Our mission is to ensure that patrons are protected from abuse, and that both safety and justice are upheld within Queensland’s nightlife and hospitality industry.
Together, we can change the system for transparency if you feel the system is unfair to you.
PatronSafety is a proud donor of the Hat Day. For 2024 and 2025 Patron Safety has so far donated $20.000 to the families of victims of violence, officers, families of dead officers & mental health charities
27–28 Apr 2025
Maya Mexican rooftop bar, Fortitude Valley, QLD
Victim: Man (not publicly named at time of initial reports). Died shortly after being restrained by security; police declared a crime scene and commenced an investigation (status ongoing).
Featured in
Serious Incidents in Venues
A chronological record of verified patron deaths and serious safety incidents in licensed venues
Jun 2003 – Comslie Hotel, Morningside, QLD
Victim: David John Coddington (27). After being ejected, he was kicked by a security guard and died of a brain haemorrhage. Frank Nigel David Hutchings was found guilty of manslaughter.
18 Jan 2004 – Beaconsfield Hotel, St Kilda (Melbourne), VIC
Victim: David Hookes (48), former Test cricketer. Punched by a hotel bouncer during an altercation outside the venue; died from head injuries. The bouncer Zdravko Micevic was acquitted of manslaughter.
Feb 2004 – The Mint nightclub, Brighton (Melbourne), VIC
Victim: Benjamin Smith. Punched by an off‑duty bouncer and fell, striking his head; the offender Natan Kaplan was convicted of manslaughter (5‑year sentence).
2005 – Ramsgate Hotel, Henley Beach, SA
Victim: Dominic Esposito (25). Died after being held in a headlock outside the venue; Paul John Edwards convicted of manslaughter (case went through re‑sentencing on appeal).
18 May 2008 – Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern, Main Beach (Gold Coast), QLD
Victim: Terii Tararo (21). Died after an altercation with bouncers; two guards were convicted of manslaughter and jailed (7 years) but acquitted on appeal later that year.
Apr 2010 – Campbelltown Club Hotel, NSW
Victim: Paul Ahsin. Coroner found death due to asphyxia after being held down by two bouncers; no charges recommended; review of private‑security training urged.
3 Jul 2011 (death four days later) – Crown Casino, Melbourne, VIC
Victim: Anthony Dunning (40). Restrained by casino security and later died; three bouncers acquitted of manslaughter; coroner later criticised Crown’s security culture/training.
2013 – Katherine Hotel, NT
Victim: Styles King (30). Coroner: positional asphyxiation while being restrained by a bouncer; the guard was found not guilty; coroner criticised adequacy of training.
2018 (finding released 2021) – Licensed venue, VIC
Victim: Mr Boursinos. Died while restrained by staff and a patron during a drug‑induced psychotic episode; coroner called for training on restraint risks and safer practices.
Have You Been Harmed in a Venue?
At PatronSafety.com.au, we believe every person has the right to feel safe when going out, whether it’s for a night of celebration, relaxation, or connection. Sadly, incidents of violence, assault, intimidation, and other forms of mistreatment in licensed venues still occur far too often.
If you have been harmed, mistreated, or felt unsafe due to the actions of venue staff, security, or management, we want to hear from you. Your experience matters, and sharing it can make a difference.
Why Speaking Up Matters
Coming forward helps protect not only yourself, but others who may face similar risks. Our team connects individuals with free legal advice and victim support services, ensuring you have access to the guidance and care you deserve.
When multiple patrons report misconduct or harm linked to the same venue or operators, those accounts can form the basis for broader investigations or class actions. By uniting the voices of affected individuals, we can strengthen the call for accountability, fair treatment, and safer community standards.
Who We Are
PatronSafety.com.au is a not-for-profit advocacy initiative committed to improving public safety in licensed venues across Australia. We do not profit from any cases, reports, or complaints. Our mission is simple: to support patrons, demand higher safety standards, and reduce harm in nightlife settings through awareness, advocacy, and reform.
Our Commitment to You
Confidentiality: All information shared with us is treated with the utmost care and never disclosed without your consent.
Support & Connection: We help you connect with others who have experienced similar incidents or been affected at the same venue.
Advocacy: We work to hold venues accountable, campaign for stronger regulations, and promote safer, more responsible practices across the industry.
If you’ve been harmed in a venue, we invite you to reach out in confidence. Together, we can push for change — ensuring no patron is left without support, and that every venue meets its duty of care to the public.
Taking Action for Change
Every patron deserves to feel safe when they go out — no one should lose their life after a night out with friends.
Following the recent death of a man after being restrained by security staff at a Fortitude Valley rooftop venue, we’re calling for urgent reforms in training, supervision, and accountability across Queensland nightlife venues.